Our Instructors

Steve Hargett | PROFESSOR

Steve Hargett is a former United States Marine that has served two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. A life long Martial Artist Steve took up Jiu Jitsu after leaving the Marine Corps in 2007 as it was a great way to quiet the mind and focus more on other aspects of his life. Little did Steve know that Jiu Jitsu would become a passion of his taking him to many places and meeting great people as he competed against some of the best in the world. His journey in Jiu Jitsu led him to San Diego, CA where he met the Ribeiro brothers Saulo and Xande. Their passion for Jiu Jitsu and positive attitude toward Martial Arts and life were infectious and exactly what Steve was looking for. It was there he felt he had found the people and the place that would keep him focused and driven not only in sport but in Life. "Jiu Jitsu is a great tool that not only teaches Martial Arts and Self Defense but gives you confidence to go out and be great at whatever you do! Whether you are a young kid in school, a Doctor, a Police officer, a teacher, a mother, a father, or a future World Champion, Jiu Jitsu will give you the knowledge to be successful! OSS!" Steve Hargett. ​Steve resides in Palm Desert, CA with his beautiful wife Amy and his 3 precious daughters Alana (4), Reagan (3), and Aryia (1).

Christopher Hargett | Coach

​At the age of 16, Chris Hargett was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by his older brother Steve. Initially not fond of "grappling", he would've chosen to play on an Xbox, but His brother, Steve, pushed him to train and a few months later he fell in love with the gentle art. This led him to frequent competitions in pursuit of an IBJJF World Championship along with other titles. His journey in Jiu Jitsu led him to the world famous University of Jiu Jitsu in San Diego where he trains with the Ribeiro brothers, Saulo and Xande. Having experienced training with other legends of the sport (Marcelo Garcia, Andre Galvao, Mendes brothers, and JT Torres), Chris finds the level of instruction and attention to detail offered by Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu to be unparalleled. In his words, "They build winning mindsets on and off the mats, Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu is a mindset that sets you up for success in whatever you choose to do. It’s not just a switch to turn it on, it has to be honed over the years, that is something I am learning day in and day out at their academy." Chris is a current student under Sensei Xande and Saulo Ribeiro at the University of Jiu Jitsu.

Sarah Greenwald | Coach

Don’t let the smile fool you, behind this gentle soul is a fierce and strong fighter with a ton of heart. Sarah began to quickly familiarize herself with the art after meeting her soulmate Christopher Hargett, the most active competitor of the team, and attending many of his tournaments. Soon after, she found her self learning, competing, and eventually teaching Jiu Jitsu under the Ribeiro banner.

Aurelius Kadzius | Coach

When Zeus was eight, he took up Tae Kwon Do. Believing it was the best Martial Art, he stuck with it until he reached First Degree Black Belt form the WTF (World Tae Kwon Do Federation).​At age of eighteen, he met a friend of a friend, who was a Judo brown belt. They sparred and once the brown belt closed the distance he lost. Continuing his search for the best Martial Art form for self-defense, he later met Steve when When he joined the Marines, where hand to hand combat was often a way to solve major issues between Marines. Steve was looking for someone to train in jiu jitsu and that’s where Zeus’ journey began.

He fought in 3 MMA fights, one for King of the Cage, and was successful but wanted to get back to just training Jiu Jitsu. He found his Jiu Jitsu home in Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu La Quinta where everyone there is like family. There, he says, he began to really learn the Gentle Art and is now an instructor under the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu flag.

Ken Hargett | Coach

The father of Steve and Chris, is a former Marine and retired teacher! As a former wrestler, he was drawn to Jiu Jitsu after learning about the Martial Art from his sons, and watching them compete! As he puts it, ‘it wasn’t just the physicality that attracted me, but also the life style: the health and fitness aspect, the passion, the camaraderie, and the positivity! He attended the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu instructors course at the University of Jiu Jitsu, San Diego and enjoys teaching kids not only techniques, but more importantly helping them understand the 6 Blades; Family, Respect, Loyalty, discipline, attitude, and honor, that will help them achieve success both on the mat and in life!